Big rally by Malaysia Muslims calls for upholding privileges

The rally, backed by the country's two largest opposition Malay parties, was initially aimed at protesting a government plan to ratify a U.N. treaty against racial discrimination.

Malaysia Muslims rally, malaysia rally, protest against treaty over anti discrimination, protestors welcome govt move, world news, indian express — Thousands of protesters gather during a rally to celebrate the government’s move to withdraw plans to ratify a U.N. anti-discrimination convention at Independent Square in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Saturday. (AP Photo)

Tens of thousands of Malaysian Muslims rallied Saturday in Kuala Lumpur against any attempt to strip the ethnic Malay majority of its privileges, in the first massive street gathering since Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s alliance won a historic vote in May.

The rally, backed by the country’s two largest opposition Malay parties, was initially aimed at protesting a government plan to ratify a U.N. treaty against racial discrimination.

Critics allege that ratifying the treaty would end Malay privileges under a decades-old affirmative action policy. The plan to ratify was eventually abandoned, but organisers decided to proceed with what they called a “thanksgiving” rally.

Racial clashes have been rare in multiracial Malaysia since deadly riots in 1969. A year later, Malaysia instituted a preferential program that gives Malays privileges in jobs, education, contracts and housing to help narrow a wealth gap with the minority Chinese.